The Effect of Food Cost on Dietary Diversity: Insights from Rural and Urban Households, and Agricultural Involvement in Tanzania
Date
2025
Authors
Chegere, Martin J.
Macha, Doris E.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
AERC
Abstract
Food is central to human survival, health, and productivity. Data from the Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey (2022) indicates that about 30% of children under five are stunted, while 12% are underweight and 3% are wasted. Meanwhile, overweight and obesity rates are rising, affecting 36% of women and 17% of men. Micronutrient deficiencies are also widespread, with anemia affecting 58% of children and 45% of women of reproductive age. Despite high household food expenditures, consumption of nutrient-rich foods, particularly animal-source foods, remains low. Limited dietary diversity and low intake of fruits, vegetables, and animal-source foods continue to fuel both undernutrition and diet-related noncommunicable diseases. Rising food costs and price variability directly affect household dietary diversity, particularly for low-income and rural populations.